Mr Saxby – who has two children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren - is well known in the local area for running the GA Saxby and Son butchers shop in High Street, Rushden, from 1946 to 1982, a business started by his father, also called George, in 1919.

On May 7 Mr Saxby had to be rushed to hospital when a fall at his home left him with a hip fracture.

He had emergency surgery to repair the broken bone during a two-hour operation on May 8 - less than 24 hours after his admission to the hospital.

Within a week of his operation, he was able to get to his feet, with assistance, and stand using a zimmer frame.

It is hoped that after his operation, he will be able to return to his pre-admission mobility status - which was mobilising independently using a zimmer frame.

Orthopaedic consultant Mr Shabih Siddiqui and orthopaedic registrar Mr Herbert Gbejuade carried out Mr Saxby’s operation and have been very pleased with his remarkable progress.

Mr Siddiqui said: “Mr Saxby sustained a break in the major bone of his hip joint and the operation performed was to realign the broken parts of bone and then we pinned and plated them in place.

“This type of injury is a very serious one for an elderly person and the recuperation period tends to be extensive.

“Mr Saxby has surpassed all expectations in terms of recovery and mobility.

“A positive mental attitude is absolutely vital for recovery back to health because many elderly people get demotivated during the rehabilitation period.

“Mr Saxby certainly has that necessary positive attitude.”

Mr Gbejuade said: “Mr Saxby is a very pleasant, stoic and observant gentleman.

“This is very beneficial to his care and rehabilitation as he is able to appropriately express his needs and his concerns – something which is often a difficulty for the elderly.

“His good rapport with staff and other patients in his bay makes interacting with him a joy.”